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Efforts to bring broadband internet to underserved areas of rural, western Massachusetts have been ongoing for more than a decade. Now the regional cooperative WiredWest has a new proposal. It comes after Governor Charlie Baker’s administration shook up and reviewed the efforts of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute.

Update: Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed the legislation into law Jan. 22, 2016.

Legislation awaiting Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s signature would allow the town of Mount Washington to build, own and operate its own broadband internet network and it comes amidst a regional effort to connect.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, a Republican, is continuing support for a broadband initiative started under former Democratic governor Deval Patrick. The state is releasing $50 million of previously approved capital funding to expand internet connectivity in western Massachusetts.

Representatives from the Massachusetts Broadband Institute were in Pittsfield Monday morning to update area leaders on the expansion of fiber-optic internet to the westernmost reaches of the Commonwealth.